Work postioner



E. v. CULLEN WORK POSITIONER Oct. 4, 1949.

2 Sheets-Sheet 1.

Filed Sept. 10, 1945 Oct. 4, 19 49. E. v. CULLEN WORK POSITIQNER FiledSept. 10, 1945 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 71 Illlllfllllllllllf/f! Patented Oct.4, 1949 WORK'POSITIONER Edward'.V: -'Cu1len,vChicago, Ill.,: assignoritorThe 1 Gullen-vFriestedt-Gompany, chicagoglllli, atcore 1'2poration of -lll-inois Applicatioh'se'ptember 10,1945;Serial'N0'."615j238 1 Claim.- 11

The present vinvention relates generally to work 'positioners'ib" More"pa-rticularly sthel invention relates torthatitype of work positionerwhich is specially designed ior= adapted t'o support andhold metallic:structural; piece's or other work in different angular positionsconnection withi welding thereof and as its principal componentscomprises (-1') an 1 elongated base structure (2) a rigidelongatedrboomitype .frainerwhich overlies the base structnraehasoneiend thereofa'pivotallyr 10 connected to one end of the basestructure --so thatit is permittedzto swi'ngi upwards andzdownwardsabout-a horizontal:axis,riand embodiesrat its. distal end a worksupportingrandi retaining. table togetherwith': a mount' for:supporting-the 1 table'so thatit is capable of being rotated about 1its. center and also; tilted back and forth between a. position whereinit-i'overlies the-distal endroff: the-frame andvan' inverted: positionwherein it underlies the distal end 'of .=the:--'fra-me; -(3) anupstanding *mast -w-hich is rigidly connected tot the aforementioned'oneendofthe base. struc=- ture and ,is positioned adjacent :the'v-proximalend of the frame;and -(4)-a link which is posi-" tioned wholly-- ontheupper side i of the 2 frame; extends betweerrthe central portion of ttheframe and the upperiend oi -thea-mast,--and-serves.toretain theframe-in thevariousspositions into-- which it is swung. i

The primary object! of the invention is to -pro- I vide'a workpositionerof this type which is an improvement upon-,l-anchhasl certain advantagesover, previously-designed work:positioners= ineluding that-whichisdisclosed in, andforms the subject matter of, UnitedaStates LettersPatent No. 21396161, granted to meon March -5, 1946, andi'scharacterizedby the: fact that the link is-of 'co'mposite character andconsists of a pair oftlink membersone of which has One-fits endspivotally connected to 'the upperend. of the mast and the othertof whichhas-one of-- its. ends. pivotally connected. tothe centrahpor tion ofthe-boom type frame and its-distal end adjustably connected tothedistal-1 end -of--the.-

one link member in orderthat therlink as a-whole: 4 5.

may be varied. or. adjusted as toiength. By -em, ploying acompositelinkofV- thischaracter. an-

gular adjustment; of the. table" carrying. frame 1 may be efiected-withifacilityand the -w0rkfpo- 2:; a a work positioner of th'eatype andiicharacter under considerationi inrwhichione iof the: link members of-the composite 'l-inlmbetweerirthe up-i per end ofrthe -mast and-theacentral-iportion-i of the: frame is tubular and is inttelescopicallyrcon nected relation lWith the distahend of the otherlink member: W

Aufurther object of: the-invention is to: provide a works positionerzofx-thealast imQIitiODBd charac i ter in a which 1 thesadjustableconnection between the distal" ends. of-"the-"link: members oonsists ofa pin. which: extends through; andris fremovably mounted in, a pair ofopposed:registerihg aper turesin the distal' 'e'nd of the tubularllinkmemher and adapted: tosfitun: an-y -one: hole or a longitudinal -seriesof holesm the distal' end of the'other-link member v "A still-furtherobject -ofhe invention isto provide -a work .positionerrwhichmceupies:but a comparatively smalh -amount or spa'ce, is -both rugged anddurable; eifectively and efficiently fulfills its intended purpose andbe caus'e of the specific manner which the boom type frame is twjusta'blysupp'drted is capable of hahdlinig large sizedaswe'l-l as smallwork piecessi "Other objects-of the invention and the various advantagesand chara'cteristi'cs or the presen-t' work' -p'ositioner--wi11 beapparent "from a consideration-of the-following dtailed descri'pl tioni1 The invention-consists in""tne 'severai*n we1- features which-arehereinafter set 'forth and are more particularly defihedby'the claimattheconclusion--hereof;-

In the drawings whichficcoinpanyand rorm a" part" of this: specificationl. or -disclosure tiniiin" which like-numerals of referencedenotecor're' spending partsthrou'ghoiit theseveral'views Figure 1' isJaside elevation ,"of' a Work "posi tioner embodyingtl'ieii'rventionj,'5'

Figure 2 isaplaiiviewof"the'worli positioner; parts being broken away;and." "then parts being shown in sectionfor illustrativ urpo'ses'; :andi Figure 3 is an. enlarged ver car? transverse section takenion. theiine3f-3 oh-Figure and illustrating, in. detail thei cros's sectional designand construction-ofithelinkinmbers oithe composite link-which extendsbetween the upper'end sitioner asa "whole is compact by reason sotof themast and thevcentra'lportion,of the'Jooom.

the. fact that 'thejlink. ofiers substantially no obstruction,especially 'when i'tis inlits shortened I condition holding the irame'linfany one r of its variousup positions Another object urine: ihventionfis tofpr0vide..-55'

' type frame. and. serves to hoidsthetfrarne in the raised or lowered,tilted angularly to a limited extent, and rotated about its center. Thebase 6 is in the form of a fabricated structural steel unit and isadapted to rest upon, and

be bolted to, the fioor of the room or other en-' closure in which thepositioner is used. It is rectangular, as shown in Figure 2, andcomprises a pair of parallel laterally spaced channel beams ll. The endsof the beams H are cross connected by way of a pair of metallic platesl2 and the ends of these plates rest upon, and are riveted or welded.to, the top flanges of the beams. The base 6 .is provided at one endthereof with a vertically extending mast l3. This mast consists of apair of parallel laterally spaced channel beams l4 and projects upwardsfrom the central portion of one of the plates l2. The lower end of themast is welded or otherwise rigidly secured'to the subjacent plate l2 inorder that the mast is in fixed or rigidrelation with the base 6. Thecentral portions and lower ends of the channel beams 14 are crossconnected by way of plates l5 and these are welded to the fianges ofsaid beams I4.

Theboom type frame 1 overlies the base 6 and embodies a pair of parallellaterally spaced complemental arms 16 and ll of channel beam design orconstruction. It is elongated, as shown in Figure 2, and in addition tothe arms l6 and I! it embodies a top plate I8 and a bottom plate I9. Thetop plate extends across the upper central portion of the two frame armsand is welded at its ends to the central portions of the upper flangesof the arms. The bottom plate l9 underlies the top plate and extendsacross the lower central portions of the arms l6 and H. The ends of thebottom plate lap and are welded or otherwise fixedly secured to thecentral portions of the bottom flanges of the two frame arms. The endsof the arms 16 and I1 that are at one end of the elongated frame 1 arearranged in straddled relation with the mast is and are pivoted by wayof pairs of brackets 28 and pivot pins 2| so that the frame is permittedto swing upwards and downwards about a horizontal axis or hinge line.The brackets 20 are fixedly secured to the plate I2 that underlies andsupports the mast l3 and embody upstanding lugs 22. The pivot pins 2|are carried or supported by these lugs and extend through holes intheadjacent ends of the frame arms l6 and I1. By reason of the constructionand arrangement of the pivotal connections which are formed by the lugequipped brackets 2|] and the, pivot pins, the frame 1 is permitted toswing downwards into a position wherein it is in substantially parallelrelation with the base 6. The two frame arms are preferably tapered fromthe central portions thereof to their ends (see Figure 1).

The link 8 is positioned wholly on the upper side of the boom type frameI and serves as a medium or instrumentality for supporting the frame inthe various positions into which it is swung or angularly adjusted. Itis composite in character and comprises a pair of longitudinally alignedlink members 24 and 25. The link 4 member 24 is in the form of a rigidbar and has one end thereof disposed between the upper ends of thechannel beams l4 constituting the vertically-extending mast l3, as shownin Figures 1 and 2. Such end of the link member 24 is pivotallyconnected by way of a horizontally extending pin 26 in order that thelink member 24 is free to swing vertically. The central portion of thepin 26 extends through a hole 21 in the adjacent end of the link member24 and the ends of the pin extend through aligned holes 28 in the upperends of the channel beams l4 and have cotter pins 29 for holding the pinagainst axial displacement. The distal end of the link member 24 isprovided with a longitudinal series of equidistantly spaced holes 30. Asshown in the drawings the holes 38 are horizontally disposed and extendfrom the pin receiving hole 21 -to the extreme outer or distal end ofthe link member 24. The other link member, i. e., the link member 25, ofthe composite link 8 is tubular in'design, as shown in Figure 3. 'Oneend of the link member 25 is solid, extends between a pair of laterallyspaced upstanding lugs 3| on the central portion of the top plate l8 ofthe frame 1 and is pivotally connected to such lugs by way of ahorizontal pin 32. The latter extend through aligned holes in the lugsand the adjacent end of the link member 25 and serves to permit suchlink member to swing in a vertical plane with respect to the frame I.The other or distal end of the link member 25 is arranged telescopicallywith respect to the distal end of the link member 24. As shown in Figure3 the interior of the tubular link member 25 is substantially the samein cross sectional shape as the link member 24. A horizontal pin 33extends through the distal end of the tubular link member 25 and has itsends mounted in apertures 34 in the side walls of said tubular linkmember so that it is capable of being shifted longitudinally out of itsnormal position. This pin 33 is adapted, as shown in Figure 1, to extendthrough any one of the holes 30 in the distal end of the link member 24and when in place serves so to connect the two link members that thelink 8 supports the frame. The apertures 34 are preferably elongatedlengthwise of the tubular link member 25 in order that the pin 33 may bereadily piloted into the hole 30 that is opposite to, or aligned with,the apertures 34. It is contemplated that an overhead crane or hoistwill be employed to raise or lower the frame I in connection withangular adjustment .of the latter. When, for example, it is desired toswing the frame upwards the operating part of the crane or hoist isapplied to the distal end of the frame. Thereafter the pin 33 is slidaxially out of engagement with the link member 25 in order to free thetwo link members for relative sliding movement. Upon removal of the pinthe crane or hoist is operated so as to swing upwards the frame I. Whenthe frame is adjusted to the proper or desired angular position thecrane or hoist is stopped. Thereafter the pin 33 is inserted through theelongated apertures 34 and the adjacent hole 30. After the pin is inplace the crane or hoist is disconnected from the distal end of theframe. Upon disconnection of the crane or hoist from the frame the frameis exemplify. a simple adjustable .connection between the distal ends ofthe link member's whereby-the operative length-ofmthe link as a..who1emay be varied Byreason-ofthe factathat the two link membersaretelescopicallyconnected together they remain-at all times inlongitudinal alignment-and do not swing-,downwardsone relatively to theother when'the-pin 33' is removed in connection with a frame adjustingoperation. Because the link 8'is in the form of two-telescopicallyconnected linkmembers it offers sub-. stantially-no obstruct-ion;especially; whenit isin its shortened condition while holding: the framein itsuppermost'p'osition. 'By having the composite linkdisposed whollyonzthe upper side of the frame' the :space betweenthe frame and the baseis unobstructed and hence the entire space may-be utilizedtot'accommodate-fa" work piece when .the work supporting and" retainingtable it is in its hereinafter described invertedposition in connectionwith welding "ofthe 'bottom portion of the work piece. f w r l Thebracket 9 is-in the form-of a one-piece casting and, as'hereinafter'described more in detail, constitutes a mount whereby thework sup-' porting table i is supported so that it is rotatableabout'its center and also tiltable into' different angular positions.-It i's'disposed between the outer or distal ends of the arms l6 andllof the frame land issupported by way of a pair of coaxial horizontallyextending trunions 35 and 36 so thatit, together with the table, iscapable of being tilte'd bodily' into different angular positions. Thetrunnion 35 -is fixed to,= andprojects inwardly from, a socket 31 at thedistal end or outerextremity of the frame arm [6 and has a longitudinalbore 38*therein. The-inner end of the trunnion 35' fits-within a bearingtype socket 39 in thebracket-S; The other trunnion, i. e., the trunnion36,-is fixed'w-ithin, andprojects inwardly from-a socket 46in the distalend of the arm H of the frame 1 and is solid, as shown in Figure 2. Theinner end of the trunnion 36 fits within a bearing type socket 4| in thebracket 9. The two trunnions, as heretofore indicated, permit thebracket 9 together with the table, to be swung about a horizontal axis.

The table It is adapted to carry or support the work and has a pluralityof holes therein (not shown) whereby the work may be removably securedto it by way of bolts or other attaching devices. It is preferably flatand has a stub shaft 42 fixed to the central portion of its under face.This stub shaft fits within a bearing 43 on the central portion of thebracket 9 and together with the bearing forms a pivotal connectionwhereby the work supporting and retaining table I0 is permitted torotate about its center.

In addition to the various parts heretofore described the positionercomprises power mechanism 44 for tilting the bracket 9 and the table It)relatively to the frame I and also power mechanism 45 for rotating thetable [0 about its center.

The mechanism 44 comprises an electric motor 46 and speed reducinggearing 41. The motor is mounted on the central portion of the arm I6 ofthe frame I and is located on the outside of the arm. The speed reducinggearing 41 of the power mechanism 44 comprises a worm 48, a worm gear49, a pinion 50, a gear 5|, a pinion 52 and a gear segment 53. The worm48, the worm gear 49, the pinion 50 and the gear 5| are disposed withina housing 54 which is fixed to the frame arm IS. The worm 48 is fixed tothe armature shaft of the electric motor 46 and meshes with the-wormgear 49; l heilattenismounted on a shaft 55'whichextends horizontallyandis-mounted in suitable bearingsin :theahousing 54. -The pinion 50 .15fixed to the r shaft 55 and meshes ment 53 is-bolted to the bracket-9.-W-henthemotor 46 is driven in one direction it-operates through themediumof the gearing 41- to swing thebracketS- and table-in onedirection. Whenthe.motor is reverselydriven it operates through themedium of the gearing 4=1to swing the bracket and table in" the oppositedirection. The teeth of the gear segment 53 extend throughout an arc ofapproximately-. The-segment is so positioned with respect to-the bracket9'=--thatthe. table iscapable of being tilted from a position wherein itoyerli-es and extends in substantially parallel relation with the distalend of theframe I to an inverted position wherein it underlies the.distalend 10f the frame.' Sui-table limitswitcheslnot shown) areemployed to stop the, electric motor 46automatically-when either end, ofthe gearsegment 53 ion 52.

The power mechanism 45 for rotating the work supporting and retainingtable about its center comprises an electric motor-5'! and speedreducing gearing 58.- The motor 51 is located outwards of the outer endof the trunnion 35. and is connected to such end ofthe trunnion by wayof. a housing 59. The gearing 58'of the power mechanism 45 comprises apinion 60, a gear 6|, a worm-62, a worm gear 63, va pinion 64 and aring'gear 65.' The pinion 60 is mounted in the housing 59 and isv fixedto one end of the armature shaft of the electric motor 51. The gear 6|meshes with, and is driven by, the pinion 60 and is mounted on one endof a horizontally extending shaft 66. Such shaft, as shown in Figure 2,extends through and is journaled in the bore 38 in the trunnion 35. Theworm 62 is located between the inner ends of the trunnions 35 and 36 andis fixed to the inner end of the shaft 66. It is disposed in a recess orchamber in the bracket 9 and meshes with the worm gear 63. The latter isconnected to one end of a shaft 61 which is journaled in a bearingforming part of the bracket 9. The pinion 64 is fixed to the other endof the shaft 6'! and meshes with the ring gear 65. Such gear surroundsthe stub shaft 42 and is fixed to the bottom face of the table Ill. Whencurrent is supplied to the electric motor 51 of the power mechanism 45the motor operates through the medium of the speed reducing gearing 58to rotate the work supporting table In about its center.

When the positioner is to be used the frame 1 is swung downwards intoits lowermost position in order to bring the work supporting andretaining table in close proximity to the subjacent end of the base 6.Thereafter the work to be welded is placed on the table by way of anoverhead crane or hoist. As soon as the work is properly positioned withrespect to the table it is bolted to the latter. Thereafter the frame 1is swung upwards, as hereinbefore described, in order to position thetable at the proper elevation for welding. When the table is supportedat the desired elevation it may .be tilted as desired by operation oractuation of the power mechanism approaches the pin- 44. It also'may berotated bodily about its center by actuation of the power mechanism 45.

The aforementioned positioner is both rugged and durable and effectivelyand efficiently fulfills its intended purpose. It is characterized bythe fact that the frame permits the table to be raised and loweredthroughout an extremely great range of movement. By reason of the factthat the supporting structure includes the pivoted elongated frame 1 thework to be welded encounters no obstructions when the table is in aninverted position regardless of the elevation of the table. Because thespace under the boom type frame 1 is unobstructed the frame may belowered into a substantially horizontal position when it is desired touse the table for welding small sized work pieces. As shown in Figure 1of the drawings the upper end of the mast I3 is substantially coplanarwith the table I when the table is horizontally positioned and islowered to its fullest extent. Because of this the elongated mast doesnot interfere with the welding of large sized pieces on the table.Because of the design, arrangement and construction of the compositelink 8 adjustment of the table carrying frame 1 may be effected withfacility and the work positioner as a whole is compact and offerssubstantially no obstruction to the work piece or the user of thepositioner.

The invention is not to be understood as restricted to the details setforth since these may be modified within the scope of the appended claimwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having thus described the invention what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is:

In a work positioner comprising a rigid elongated boom type frame havingone end thereof pivotally mounted so as to permit it to swing upwardsand downwards about a substantiallyhorizontal axis, and embodying at itsdistal end a work supporting and retaining table together with a mountfor supporting the table so that it is capable of being rotated aboutits center and also tilted back and forth between a position wherein itoverlies the distal end of the frame and an inverted position wherein itunderlies said distal end of the frame, the combination of a rigidupstanding mast positioned adjacent the proximal end of the frame, andmeans for retaining the frame in the various positions into which it isswung disposed wholly on the upper side of the frame and comprising abar type link member having one end thereof pivotally connected to theupper end of the frame and embodying in its other end a longitudinalseries of spaced apart transverse holes, a tubular link member havingone end thereof pivotally connected to the central portion of the frameand its other end telescopically connected to said other end of the bartype link member and provided with a pair of opposed longitudinallyextending elongated apertures, and a pin extending across and removablymounted in said apertures and adapted to fit within any one of the holesof said series.

EDWARD V. CULLEN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,481,049 Cason Jan. 15, 19241,808,497 Dina June 2, 1931 2,198,793 Schroeder Apr. 30, 1940 2,396,161Cullen Mar. 5-, 1946

